Group Projects

Families, businesses, congregations, schools, service clubs, civic organizations, block parties... There are endless opportunities for you to help those who are homeless in your community.

For current opportunities, email our Shelter Manager Emily Aker at shelter@westsuburbanpads.org or call 708-338-1724 ext. 228.

Projects to think about....

Organize a collection drive
Organize a shelter meal (dinner, breakfast, sack lunch) to serve between 40 and 70 guests
Sell PADS gift cards at your congregation's mission fair
Donate office equipment or supplies
(see our Wish List)
Contribute professional talents (e.g. medical and legal professionals, graphic designers, writers, musicians)

Please call us at 708-338-1724 before dropping off a donation at our Support Center,
1851 S. Ninth Avenue in Maywood.
Due to limited space, the only clothing items we can accept are coats, new socks and underwear.

View our complete list of needed items.

Volunteer Opportunities

Home » Get Involved » Volunteer Opportunities

(updated August 27, 2010)

Volunteer Orientation Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

If you're interested in volunteering with West Suburban PADS, join us for the next orientation session, from 6-8 p.m. at the Berwyn Public Library. Please RSVP to Emily at 708.338.1724, ext. 228 or shelter@westsuburbanpads.org.

Current Volunteer Opportunities (as of 8.27.10)

- Breakfast Provider - 4th Friday of the month, at St. John Lutheran (Forest Park)

- 1st Shift Volunteer (6:30pm - 10:30pm) - 5th Thursday at First United Methodist (Oak Park) and Sundays at Euclid United Methodist (Oak Park)

- 2nd Shift Volunteer (10:30 pm - 5 am) - 3rd Wednesday at Grace Episcopal (Oak Park), 2nd and 5th Thursdays at First United Methodist (Oak Park), 4th Wednesday at Grace Lutheran (Elmwood Park) and Sundays at Euclid United Methodist (Oak Park)

- 3rd Shift Volunteer (5:00am - 7:30am) - 3rd Wednesday at Grace Episcopal (Oak Park), 2nd and 5th Thursdays at First United Methodist (Oak Park), 3rd and 4th Wednesdays at Grace Lutheran (Elmwood Park), and Sundays at Euclid United Methodist (Oak Park).

Please contact Shelter Manager, Emily Aker for interest in available volunteer opportunities. Contact Info: shelter@westsuburbanpads.org or (708) 338-1724 ext. 228

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Our network of 1,000 volunteers creates Shelter and Support Center environments that nurture the basic well-being of our guests. PADS volunteers satisfy our guests' urgent need for food, shelter and socialization, and the ongoing need to be treated with dignity and respect.

Volunteers from all across our service area staff the Emergency Shelter every night of the week during the regular shelter season. They purchase, prepare and serve more than 39,000 meals annually, contributing well over 19,000 hours a year to make sure our guests have warm, healthy meals and a safe, warm place to sleep.

These volunteers do their good work in collaboration with area houses of worship that provide space for the Shelter sites. We have been able to expand the number of shelter sites in underserved areas and increase the number of shelter beds over the years. However, demand for Emergency Shelter continues to rise and to exceed capacity. We are forced to deny between 500 and 600 nights of shelter each year, on those nights when only one shelter site is available. PADS is committed to finding new shelter sites to meet our goal of sheltering 60 individuals every night.

Volunteers in our year-round, day-time Support Center in Maywood help guests address their basic needs as well as work toward self-sufficiency goals. Their time, expertise and compassion are of inestimable value in terms of the stability and hope they provide to our shelter guests.

For current opportunities, email our Shelter Manager Emily Aker at shelter@westsuburbanpads.org or call 708-338-1724 ext. 228.